Today I am so happy and thrilled to have author Tina Pinson visiting! I can’t wait to hear about her new book, “When Shadows Fall,” Book One in her brand-new “Shadows” Series, presented by Desert Breeze Publishing.

Regina, first, let me say thank you for inviting me to your page and making me so very welcome.

RA: As an author what makes a book great in your eyes?

A great book, a truly great book, catches a reader’s interest and imagination then carries them into the story. So far, one can almost feel themselves in the storyline. A great book, takes one on a journey, transporting them to new worlds, new realms, with characters they learn to love and sometimes hate. A great book stands the test of time and criticism.

RA: Tell us a little about what you’re working on.I am, of course, editing to get the next installments of the Shadow Series ready for print. Shadowed Dreams is slated for release in Nov. So I am also praying readers fall in love with my characters and story in When Shadows Fall. I am also working on a sequel to Touched By Mercy, a take on Taming of the Shrew called, Tamed By Mercy and another little story, a speculative fiction, Demon Chronicles. I have a few other stories to work on, but that’s where my energies have been vested as of late.

RA: What is the hardest scene you had to write in this piece?Death scenes can be tough, emotionally draining, but I also had an attack scene to write and those can be hard.

RA: Let’s talk about the book you’d like to promote today. How did you come with the title and where can we find it?

When Shadows Fall, the first in the Shadow Series, was actually the full title, but the book was nearly a 900 pages sooo, had to cut it down. But the whole idea behind the name has to do with the shadows that come into our lives and how we walk through them. The opening poem from the stories heroine, Rebekah, hopefully says a lot about the meaning behind the name.

Life is a mixture of joy and sorrows. Where darkness and light mingle to cast shadows upon your soul. These shadows, often fleeting, touch us far deeper than their hazy essence ever deemed possible.

Some bring a happiness that shelters one in peace like the calm after a storm. Others bring a distinct source of pain. Pain that envelopes the spirit in a fog. It holds you and drags you on a seemingly endless downward spiral of hopelessness and despair, oft times, wrought and nourished in your own mind.
There’s the shadow of a smile, the cooling shadow of clouds on a hot summer day; the shadow of tree limbs dancing on walls in the moonlight. The long shadow of a man cast across a barren land, carried on the wings of a prayer — like a dream he means to possess.
There’s the shadow of memories, some dear, some not soon enough forgotten. The shadow of sorrow and the shadow of death, boring your heart and mind — lingering long after the soul has been seared.
There’s the shadow of a kiss, and the shadow of a hand across a weary brow. Whatever they are, in whatever form, know that shadows will come, and fall where they may. However they touch you, it is my prayer that you will have a hand to hold, and a hand to guide, When the Shadows Fall.

RA: What was the first reaction when you got a glimpse of your cover art?It was very pleased, my cover artist, Caina Fuller, really listened to my vision and brought it to life on the page.

Please give us a blurb and excerpt.

Blurb:

As the Civil War rages, Rebekah fights to keep her world intact. But loss and sorrow has seeped into her heart and mind. She sets her sights on Oregon, praying this new Eden will allow her a place of peace and a place to put her life, and that of her son’s, back together again. She travels to Independence, Missouri ready to take the train west, but is denied the opportunity to join the train because she is woman alone. Matthew battles his way through one fight after another, all the while thinking of Rebekah. The woman who holds his heart. He longs to help her west, but fears his biggest battle lies ahead of him. Will Rebekah open up her heart to him and allow him to be the one to hold her When the Shadows Fall?

Excerpt:
Matthew’s voice was soft, and appealing. Too appealing. His closeness, and the warmth radiating from his body, caused her heart to thrum. Rebekah decided to go in.
Robert had been gone and thought dead for over a year. How easy it would be to fall into Matthew’s arms. Let him comfort her like he’d done when she was a girl. They seemed like such strong arms. But she wasn’t a child anymore. She was a married woman with a child and a sick husband who needed her.
Her first love could be nothing more than a precious memory. Her heart grew heavy. She turned and was about to take her leave when Matthew asked about Robert. “If you’d rather not talk about it, I’ll understand. I only wanted you to know if you need anything, I’m here for you. I’ll help in any way I can.”
“That’s very kind. Things are okay for now. Besides, I couldn’t expect you to help the enemy.” She stood still, afraid to face him. Afraid of the concern he’d show.
“Rebekah, if you love him, and he cares for you, he’s no enemy of mine.” His reply was tender. He caught her shoulders, turned her to face him. “I mean that with all my heart.”
Rebekah nodded. He meant it. Her eyes misted. Her tears were building. If she fell into his arms, it was wrong to even think it, but… would he hold her close? Or had time changed everything? Still, she wasn’t his to hold anymore. In reality she never had been, though she wanted to be. Did he wish it were different? She wished they could go back, but they couldn’t. She had to accept that she would never be his, and be grateful for the chance to see him again.
“I should go. Can I walk you to the house?”
Raising her head, she found his gaze in the moonlight. “You go on. It’s such a lovely evening I think I’d like to stay longer. I’ll look for you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight then.” Her heart lurched as she considered him leaving. She wondered when he’d have to say goodbye. Perhaps for forever.
“Goodnight,” she whispered as she watched him cross the yard to his horse and swing his tall body effortlessly into the saddle.
“Goodnight,” he called again. She waved, and watched him disappear into the darkness — melding with the shadows on the road. Then she went to the bottom of the oak, and kneeling, tenderly brushed the ground where her old friend lay.

RA: Now the fun stuff; Do you have any guilty pleasures?Oh my goodness, I have so many and if you found out about them I’d really feel guilty. LOL Sometimes I like to get up and sit down with a cup of hot tea flavored with cream and honey, and watch the world go by. Sometimes I like to stay in bed and veg and might not get dressed til afternoon. Hot baths are nice and so are chocolate covered donuts, my hips especially thank me for those and pretty much any chocolate covered dessert out there.

RA: Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you.

I like to garden. If I could stop killing off some of my plants I might like it more. I can veggies and preserves. I like to sing and draw.

RA: If you didn’t have to worry about counting calories or fat, what’s the first food you’d reach for?

Hmm. The first? Well, I love homemade biscuits slathered with butter and honey. I love cheesecake and lemon tortes. And of course chocolate.

RA: Since you write romance, fess up. Have you ever read the “Grande Dames” of the genre like Jane Austen, Barbara Cartland, Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts? What do you really think of their books?

I have read the “Grande Dames”. And must say they have their formulas down. So much so, I can pretty much tell you how it will turn out and that begins to take the thrill of story away for me. As for Jane Austen, though, I’ve only started to read her works.

RA: If someone read any of your work, what book would you recommend they start with and why?

Wow! Well, I would like to say the first one in print. But my first one in print was self-pubbed and riddled with errors. But the story was still good. I did go on to redo that after I’d learned a bit more. So, I’d have to say read any one of my books, I’m growing in my craft with each one. I hope. When Shadows Fall is the first book I ever finished. So it is very dear to me. I love the characters and want people to do the same. I hope they fall in love with the story.

RA: Thanks for spending a bit of time with me, and all of us at Romance Novels @ReginaAndrews’ Blog, Tina! Best wishes for continued success.

And here’s a brief biography of Tina, plus all her links and contacts.

Biography, Links and ContactsTina Pinson resides in Mesa, Arizona with her husband of thirty plus years, Danny. They are blessed to have three sons, and five grandchildren with one on the way.

Tina started her first novel in elementary school. Her love of writing has caused her to seek creative outlets be it writing poetry, songs, or stories.

In the Manor of the Ghost and Touched By Mercy were published through Desert Breeze Publishers.

When Shadows Fall,Shadowed Dreams, and To Catch a Shadow, the first three installments of the Shadow Series about the Civil War and the Oregon Trail, will be available through Desert Breeze May 2012, November 2012 and June 2012 respectively.
My website — http://www.tinapinson.com/
Twitter:@Tina_Pinson
Facebook– http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754617103Purchase my books at:

<a href=”http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13583231-the-green-rose&#8221; style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img alt=”The Green Rose” border=”0″ src=”http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1333848940m/13583231.jpg&#8221; /></a><a href=”http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13583231-the-green-rose”>The Green Rose</a> by <a href=”http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart”>Stephanie Burkhart</a><br/>My rating: <a href=”http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/314572094″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />Amazing from the First Page!!!!<br>”The Green Rose” by Stephanie Burkhart is a fabulous paranormal romance that will have you hooked right from the very first page. After a brief Introduction which author relates the history and context of the locale – the continent of Gaia and in particular the country of Ravenrock – as well as the significance of the title image, The Green Rose, the author launches into one of the most intense, exciting and imaginative opening scenes I have ever had the pleasure to read. <br><br>Suffice it to say this gripping scene includes action on every level: battling with wyldebeasts, a dragon-character named Draco, witches, and a hero and heroine with instant electricity and chemistry who are also mutually impressed with each others’ bravery. This talented author creates an atmosphere filled with sensory details that make the entire scene come alive – you the smells, you hear the sounds, you see the landscape and the materials used to make the swords and shields, you are right there in the thick of this fantastic, action-packed read. More than that, “The Green Rose” reaches the reader on an emotional level that rings very true and very sincere – the sign of very good writing. My heart was pounding during this scene, and it didn’t stop until I finished reading the very last page. <br><br>Stephanie Burkhart has created an unforgettable romance here, too, creating her hero and the heroine with personality, depth and reader appeal as they travel through a teetering, uncertain world. The tone, tension, plotting and pacing are all wonderfully engaging and skillfully executed. Her facility with dialogue makes reading her work a pleasure, and her ability to paint a scene with words totally transported me as a reader. This versatile author’s has designed a whole world, which is impressive in itself. Since I am a relative newcomer to this genre, I was not quite sure what I would encounter with it. I read this book with a totally open mind and I have to tell you – I was delighted. It’s an exciting, well-written work which is satisfying on every level. Lucky me, to be initiated to this genre with “The Green Rose,” a high-quality, imaginative and engaging work by the very talented author, Stephanie Burkhart. <br><br/><br/><a href=”http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2185171-regina-andrews”>View all my reviews</a>

REGINA: I’d like to welcome fellow author, Stephanie Burkhart, here to kick off her blog tour for her latest YA/MS release, “First Flag of New Hampshire.”

STEPH: I’m so excited to be here, Gina. I’ve done several blog tours now and I’ve noticed I always start off my tours by visiting your blog in little Rhode Island first so I was glad for the opportunity to do so again.

REGINA: You’re welcome! Tell us about the book.

STEPH: Alyssa and Miguel are high school seniors at Central High in Manchester, NH. As part of their assignment for American Studies, they’re tasked to find out the four times in NH history when the first flag flew and where it is now. Their friends, Greg and Karen, challenge them to a friendly race, adding a sense of urgency to the project.

REGINA: What was the inspiration behind the plot?

STEPH: My American Studies class. I rarely get inspiration from dreams, as I’m a very heavy sleeper. It’s funny, I can still remember sitting in the class and my teachers, Mrs. Hussey and Mr. Lord saying this would be a class that would stay with us the rest of our lives. At the time, I was 17 and just laughed, but they were right. At the end of the school year, I knew this class would resonate with me.

REGINA: How long ago was American Studies?

STEPH: 25 years. Can you believe that?

REGINA: Is there really a ‘first’ flag of New Hampshire?

STEPH: Not really, but I wanted to write a young adult/middle school mystery so I made up the first flag. What I was striving to do was seamlessly blend fact and fiction and I hope I’ve done that.

REGINA: How long did it take you to write?

STEPH: About a month including the research.

REGINA: How did you come to pick the setting?

STEPH: I grew up in New Hampshire. It just felt right to me. Actually, this is going to be a series. Alyssa and Miguel are going to visit all 6 New England states solving mysteries along the way.

REGINA: What are Alyssa’s strengths? Weaknesses?

STEPH: She’s determined and focused. Alyssa has a plan. I would say when a wrench gets thrown into her plan, it takes her a bit to work through it.

REGINA: What does Miguel like about Alyssa?

STEPH: Miguel finds her kind with a pleasant disposition. Her determination and focus helps him do the same. His ability to work through a problem helps her do the same.

REGINA: Who did the illustrations?

STEPH: Ginger Nielson. Ginger is a true blessing. She’s from New Hampshire, as well. I love how her illustrations bring Aly and Miguel to life. They’re perfect!

REGINA: How long have you been writing?

STEPH: About 10 years now.

REGINA: What do you find rewarding about young adult writing?

STEPH: The ability to inspire others – especially young adults and children – to read. I love watching young people embrace a good story.

REGINA: Would you care to share a blurb with us?

STEPH: I’d love to.

BLURB FOR: FIRST FLAG OF NEW HAMPSHIRE:

Alyssa has to take American Studies for college prep, and she hurries to the first class. She’s paired with classmate Miguel De Soto to find the first flag of New Hampshire, but the flag has flown only four times in New Hampshire’s past. Can Alyssa and Miguel track the flag through history before time is up?

Answer the follow questions about the NH flag. I’ll pick a winner to receive an Easter/Spring book bag (made by my talented friend, Lori Powell), full of goodies to include a copy of the book, chocolates, a magnet and more.

What’s the name of the ship on the New Hampshire State flag?

BONUS: Why are there 9 stars dispersed between the laurel leaves on the NH State Flag?